Heat Stroke Symptoms And Treatment

heat stroke symptoms and treatment

One of true medical emergency that can be fatal and needs proper treatment is heat stroke. It is one kind of hyperthermia which the body temperature is rapidly increased, accompanied by nervous system disturbances. In extreme heat, the body temperature can dramatically raises, it can reach 42 C and may be higher. Heat stroke can be caused by dehydration. As quoted from MedicineNet, a dehydrated person may not be able to dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to rise. Infants, high activities people (such as athletes), people who work under the sun, and elderly people are very susceptible to heat stroke. 

Heat stroke symptoms and treatment

Symptoms and signs of rapidly heat stroke are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Brain and nervous system disorders: dizziness, disorientation anxiety, unconsciousness, seizure, confusion, severe restlessness, until coma
• Difficulty of breathing, from moderate to severe
• Increased heart rate until cardiac arrythmia
• A rectal temperature over 40 C (104 F)
• Red, hot, and very dry skin
• Muscle cramps

When you find someone with suspected heat stroke, please remember that he must receive immediate treatment to prevent permanent organ damage. Here are some steps of heat stroke treatment.

• Find a help, call 911
• Remove the victim from heat
• Begin cooling: apply cool water to the skin, place ice packs under groins and armpits, give him cool water to drink
• Monitor body temperature, especially by rectal temperature examination
• In most cases, victims must be hospitalized.

Heat stroke management in a medical facility (taken from American Academy of Family Physicians)

• Continue cooling until core temperature of 38 C (100.4 F)
• Laboratory tests to rule out other entities, such as: electrolyte imbalance, hyperthyroid storm, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, phechromocytoma, etc
• Monitor renal function 
• Caution patient about re-exposure